'World's largest village store' bucking the high street trend as sales rise this year |
And after 130 years, Roys of Wroxham continues to not only survive but thrive in the competitive modern-day retail arena.
Roys is "bucking the trend" among high street retailers, reporting a year-on-year rise in sales across its stores.
"We are winning more business through our garden centres, which are up 7pc this year," said director Paul Roy, grandson of company co-founder Alfred Roy.
"Our supermarket is up 5pc, and our standout store is Roys Toys, which is up 12pc."
Roys director Paul Roy, the grandson of the company's co-founder Alfred Roy (Image: Supplied)
Roys says its upturn in sales is a result of bringing prices down.
This year, the retailer was able to reduce the prices of more than 1,000 products by negotiating with its 100 local suppliers.
"As we're relatively small, we can deploy our asymmetric advantage and be more agile, working with our suppliers to deliver what customers want from us," said Mr Roy, who joined the company in 1997, having previously worked for Tesco, before later becoming a director.
Paul Roy outside Roys' Pinetrees warehouse in Norwich in 1999 (Image: Roys)
"We stay nimble and agile, not wedded to any dogma," he added.
"The growth of our sales means more money is kept in the local economy, supporting local wages, suppliers and services, stimulating future economic activity in the region.
"Looking after your neighbours has always been good business, and it's never more appropriate than at this time of year."
Roys was established in 1895, celebrating its 130th anniversary this year (Image: Supplied)
Established in 1895 by brothers Alfred and Arnold Roy, the family-owned retailer now operates 14........